Football VAVEL

Rennes 0-0 Nantes: Derby Ends In Stalemate

Rennes and Nantes ended goalless in the Brittany Derby.

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Rennes 0-0 Nantes: Derby Ends In Stalemate
The pre match tifo impressed the home fans
cgordon1
By Connor Gordon

Chances were few and far between as Stade Rennais and FC Nantes drew in the Brittany Derby.

Both teams were basically touching of each other in the Ligue 1 table going into the game, and with really nothing domestically to play for, the derby was the last piece of bragging rights up for grabs.

It took a bit of time for both teams to find their way in the game, with little action in the opening sequence of the match.

Paul-Georges Ntep was consistently played through the left-wing, but the little Rennes wideman couldn't fathom the right cross into Ola Toivonen as Nantes keeper, Remy Riou, manged to get the vital touches on the ball.

Ntep did get his chance to test Riou with a shot, but the French stopper was equal to his powerful strike.

At the other end Ismael Bangoura scuffed a similar effort on goal as his misplaced hit went wide of the target.

Rennes centre-mid, Abdoulaye Doucoure, would have deemed himself unfortunate not to get the slightest of touches at the back post after Pedro Henrique placed a perfect cross into the area.

The best chance for Nantes fell to Jordan Veretout, the French u-21 international couldn't keep his shot low as he bared down on goal.

The second half was much the same as the first. Paul-Georges Ntep was again dangerous down the left. He swung a low cross into the 6 yard box which Riou fumbled, but made good effort to deny Doucoure on the rebound.

Rennes maintained possession in the second half, allowing their opponents little opportunity to find an opener. However, the home side weren't doing any better to change the score line to their benefit.

There was a momentary stop in play as the referee requested that fans stop throwing objects onto the field. 

Ola Toivonen put the shock factor into the derby with his speculative volley from outside the box. The Swedish striker, largely quiet for most of the game, chested a lobbed pass into a volley which struck the top netting. 

The last chance for a game changer came at the feet of Doucoure from an Ntep freekick. The big midfielder's first touch let him down in the box at the vital moment and Riou swept up. 

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About the author
Connor Gordon
Hi, I am from Glasgow, Scotland and at university studying Multimedia Journalism. I have a fondness for French club, Stade Rennais. I try to convey the way I see the game of football into my articles. I hope you enjoy! Contact me on Twitter: @ConnorGordonnn Email: [email protected]